Newsletter

Season's Greetings! As the holiday spirit envelops us, I wanted to take a moment to celebrate the incredible influence of our community on our schools. There are heartwarming stories and profound impact that our collective support brings to the forefront during this festive season. How thankful we are for the donation of time and money to provide over 200 meals for our families at Thanksgiving and again for winter celebrations. Across the community giving trees are supporting our students and families. Christmas in the Park continues to be an amazing collaborative tradition bringing our community together to enjoy student performances and activities at no cost. Throughout December, schools continue to host events and activities to engage our families. We encourage you to stay connected to your school and check the website for information about events. Everyday, I am reminded of how amazing our community is. Yelm is a special place because of the people that live and work in it!

Yelm Community Schools is asking the community to continue funding of the expiring levy on the February Special Election. This replacement levy is not a new tax and will continue to fund important programs and services so all students, starting in Pre-K, are on a path to on-time graduation, continuing education and work.

State and federal funds cover the majority of the costs, and Yelm Community Schools seeks additional grant funds. However, local funds are still needed to close the gap.

Stay informed by reviewing the FAQs on our website.

We are extremely proud of our Football team and their return to the State Football finals at Husky Stadium. They continue to exemplify grit, determination and teamwork. Thank you coaches, parents and fans for your leadership and support of the team.

Another shout out goes to the student groups that share their talents in this forum. The YHS band, cheer staff and jazzline were at every game performing and creating a positive environment. The Sports Medicine students were on the sideline of every game helping our Athletic Trainer keep our athletes healthy. Finally, our Yearbook students were there to capture the moments.

Everyone represented Yelm with class. Go Tornados!

It is important to us that you experience a sense of belonging and your dignity is honored on our campuses. To help us understand your perspective, we ask all families to complete a survey each year.

If you have not already done so, please complete the Family Belonging survey for each school where your student attends by December 15. You should have received an email with a link to the survey. The survey is also available on each school’s website, or you may request a paper copy in the office.

We value your time and feedback!

Under Impact Aid Section 7003, the Yelm Community School District may be entitled to federal funds for the operation and maintenance of our school facilities and to enrich our school programs. These funds are provided to school districts to compensate for local tax dollars that are lost as the result of non-taxable federal payrolls or properties.

In order to obtain these funds we have to identify each of our students’ parent or guardian who live or work on Federal property. You will be receiving an email with a brief electronic survey to complete before the deadline of December 31, 2023.

Please help us by ensuring prompt completion of the survey so that we can maximize resources received by our District through the Federal Impact Aid Program.

What a terrific event enjoyed by all on Saturday. The weather cooperated almost all day which brought a great crowd for the parade. We celebrated our essay contest winners who shared their "Winter Wish." Prizes were given to 1st through 3rd place by the Sgt Justin Norton Memorial Fund. The audience listened to the school choirs and bands who performed all day on the new city stage. Families enjoyed the free activities provide by our Yelm High School CTE programs and local businesses, not to mention the free concession sponsored by Mr. Doug's Restaurant. Lastly, we got to honor the City Youth of the Year, Kiana Neir and Rianna Slevin, and our Master of Merriment Larry Schorno. Larry is a graduate of Yelm High School and a tremendous supporter of our schools as a agri-business own and auctioneer and leader in Dollars for Schools. It was great to be part of the Yelm Community this weekend!

We are now monitoring weather conditions daily and drive the roads early in the morning to check for safe travel. Our goal is to send messaging by 5:30am if school is delayed or closed; otherwise, school is on time. Please remember that roads and sidewalks may still be slippery even if we don't close.

• We send automated phone call, email and text. If you haven't opted in, please text YES to 67587.
• The information is posted on social media and all school websites.
• The message is posted on Flash Alert that goes out to all TV and Radio broadcasts and subscribers.

Learn more about our procedures and how to get up to date information when changes occur.

December Events (Check websites for details on school events and sporting events)

Dec 6: Special School Board Meeting 1pm @ District Office

Dec 6: Military Family Holiday Art Night 5pm @ Yelm MS

Dec 12: Native American Parent Advisory Meeting 5pm @ District Office

Dec 14: School Board Meeting 6pm @ District Office

Dec 20 - Jan 2: NO SCHOOL - Winter Break

Email: communications@ycs.wednet.edu
Website: www.ycs.wednet.edu
Location: 107 North 1st Street, Yelm, Washington, USA
Phone: 360.458.1900
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Yelm Community Schools does not discriminate in any programs, activities or employment opportunities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights: Doyla Buckingham, 360.458.1900, doyla_buckingham@ycs.wednet.edu; Title IX Coordinator: Lisa Cadero-Smith, 360.458.6120, lisa_cadero-smith@ycs.wednet.edu; and 504 Coordinator: Shannon Powell, 360.458.6124, shannon_powell@ycs.wednet.edu. Address: 107 First St N, PO Box 476, Yelm, WA 98597; HIB Coordinator: Brittany LaPalm, 360.458.6124, brittany_lapalm@ycs.wednet.edu.